LeBron James to exercise player option and return to the Lakers next season – NBA Insider

The National Basketball Association’s (NBA) all-time leading scorer, LeBron James, has remained relatively quiet about his future with the Los Angeles Lakers following the conclusion of their 2024–25 season.

James has yet to decide whether he will exercise his player option with the Lakers for the 2025–26 season. The 40-year-old has the opportunity to return for his 23rd NBA season, which would allow him to break the record he currently shares with NBA legend Vince Carter.

However, uncertainty remains as James continues to recover from a Grade 2 MCL knee injury sustained during Game 5 of the Lakers’ first-round playoff loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. As it stands, he can either play out his contract, opt out, or sign an extension.

NBA insider and ESPN’s Shams Charania recently provided a major update regarding James’ immediate future, revealing that he is likely to pick up his player option and spend one more season in Los Angeles.

“I’m told he’s likely to opt in. He’s got a player option—about $54 million, $57 million. It’s a massive player option. That’s likely. That’s the plan. But again, his option date is June 29th, so he still has about a month to figure that out. There are going to be some hard conversations between him and the Lakers, seeing what this team looks like. Because, listen, LeBron James—whether he plays one more season or a few more—wants to be in a competitive environment,” Charania said during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show.

“I’m told LeBron James is likely to opt in..

He’s got a massive player option and that’s the plan..

He still has about a month to figure that out”@ShamsCharania #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/8mzUsMCU9r

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) May 27, 2025

It is understood that the potential addition of Luka Dončić could influence James’ decision regarding his future with the franchise. The Slovenian superstar will be eligible for a four-year, $229 million contract extension with the Lakers in August. Meanwhile, the Lakers are also in search of a solid big man.

“He’s probably going to opt in because the option is so big, and that gives you flexibility—to either extend off that number or treat this as the final year, the last hurrah, essentially. Year 23 for No. 23. They have All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles, so to me, it’s very storybook if that’s the way it goes. But that’s a decision he’s got to make,” Charania added.

Notably, James is currently in the second year of his two-year, $101.36 million contract with the Lakers and is set to earn approximately $52.6 million in the 2025–26 season. Despite his age, the 40-year-old continues to perform at an elite level, averaging 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game while shooting 51.3 percent from the field. His outstanding play during the 2024–25 season earned him a spot on the All-NBA Second Team.

While the Lakers will be encouraged by Charania’s report, James has yet to publicly confirm his decision regarding his future with the team.

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